Preparing for that big interview is no mean task but if you subscribe to the Golden rules for interviewees, it will be a cakewalk:

Be Prepared: Make sure you are aware of the job description for the position you are being interviewed for. You can ask your recruitment consultant about the organisation you are going to see, and about the hiring manager who will be interviewing you. Alternatively, you can visit their website.

Anticipate the sort of questions you may be asked and what response to give.

Reflect on your strengths, things you have done to overcome any weaknesses, the experience you have, what interests you about this organisation, what you have to offer them, and what makes you the most suitable candidate. Make sure you run through your resume again before the interview, as the interviewer might choose to base his questions on your CV.

Be on time: First impressions count at the interview. Be on time. If there is an unavoidable delay, call your recruitment consultant and/or the company you are going to see. Make sure you carry a mobile and all possible contact numbers just in case.

Be Smart: Learn well in advance from your recruitment company about the culture of the organisation, and dress accordingly. If it’s a very relaxed atmosphere you may settle for smart casuals, otherwise dress formally. Do not carry in unnecessary items with you.

Be Calm: Interview situations make people jittery. Good preparation will allay the fear and make you more at ease. Calm frazzled nerves by sucking peppermint, rubbing your top gum with lip salve and biting hard into a lemon if you have a dry mouth. Try it, it works!

Listen to the questions carefully and take your time to answer. Ask for a question to be repeated or explained, if you have to. It will prove to your interviewer you are listening.

Interviewer gripes/Tips:

Some behavioral aspects of the candidate identified by recruiters as irritating/annoying are:

1) The limp Handshake - a sign they don't really want to be here.

Tip:  Use a firm, assertive handshake.

2) Not showing any real interest in the job - Are you here for the job? If yes, will you show the same level of enthusiasm every day?

Tip: Show that you are enthusiastic. (Note: Of course, you should know where to draw the line, attempts at false flattery and/or bribery; any of these will simply make you look desperate).

3) Not paying attention – recruiters find it very frustrating at facing a blank stare and 'getting the feeling you are talking to a brick wall'.

Tip: Engage in active listening. Make regular eye contact with the interviewer, but do not 'stare them down’.

4) Mumbling –  Recruiters find it embarrassing to ask people to repeat their answers several times and gives the impression that they are suffering from a hearing problem.

Tip: Speak clearly - and at a regulated pace.

5) Evasive answers – Hearing too many umms and ahhs in an answer which in some cases look irrelevant to the question confuses the interviewers, trying to figure out if they  didn't listen to the question properly or didn't understand the question properly, or are hiding something.

Tip: Answer each question to the best of your ability, and if you are not sure ask for clarification.

6) Condemning past employers – This may be seen as a cover-up for your own lacking performance/behaviour.

Tip: Just refrain from speaking ill of your past employers. Instead, focus on highlighting your own achievements and successes.

Don't forget to be polite, and to thank the interviewer at the end for taking the time to see you.